Daily
Sarasota
Monday, May 18th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 18th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Worshippers gathered at Five Points Park for a National Day of Prayer event focused on unity and faith — organizers said it honored local and national history ahead of America's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. ABC 7
- ➤ Farmers market organizers released a forecast outlining vendor hours, setup details, and expected weather for Sunday's market in Sarasota. The update helps locals plan their visit to enjoy fresh produce and local goods. ABC 7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ PopUp Bagels is expanding by opening a Winter Park shop on May 29 and a Rockledge location on June 5 — with two Miami sites and a Sarasota store in progress, plus at least 30 more Florida shops planned. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ On May 4, a former PDQ at 5484 Lena Road in Lakewood Ranch became home to Saucy! by KFC, offering chicken tenders, tangy sauces and tropical drinks in a playful setting. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The moon and Venus will appear close together tonight in the western sky for a rare conjunction visible across Florida. Skywatchers may see a thin-waxing-crescent moon alongside bright Venus, though cloudy skies could limit the view. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Residents at Plymouth Harbor enjoyed a photography showcase featuring 57 images by local artists from the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club that kicked off with an artist reception on May 12. Five finalists received blue ribbons and a top prize for a striking cheetah portrait. Observer
- ➤ On May 13, Bird Key Women's Association members listened to Susan Hanafee discuss her mystery novel 'Scavenger Tides' and her self-publishing journey. The session (hosted by friend Joan Love) also previewed a new mystery she co-wrote with her grandson, scheduled for release in September. Observer
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ More than 1,200 state-protected black skimmers have nested on North Lido Beach ahead of Memorial Day weekend, and Audubon Florida volunteers are monitoring 400 nests to protect the birds. Visitors are urged to avoid dogs + follow posted boundaries to keep the nesting area safe until the eggs hatch. FOX 13
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UCF rowers won the Big 12 women’s rowing championship on Saturday at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota & earned an automatic NCAA qualifier by competing against teams from Kansas, West Virginia, Old Dominion, and Tulsa. The acclaimed venue boosted team confidence with its top national course. ABC 7
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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Check venue for entry fees — Enjoy an eclectic musical experience with accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts and his loyal German Shepherd companion, Apollo.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of vibrant Puerto Rican-inspired music with local talent Bri Rivera.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience an evening of live music from a talented guitarist and vocalist hailing from Boston, now based in Sarasota.
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Live Music with Scott Curts
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy eclectic performances from singer-songwriter Scott Curts as he captivates with his unique loop style.
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Mystical Visions Concert
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Check venue for entry details — Enjoy the energetic vibes of a female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60s to today.
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2-Day Sound Healer Certification with Tuning Forks
9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Wild Ginger Apothecary — $895 — Explore the art and science of sound healing using tuning forks over two immersive days.
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Sarasota Fine Art Show
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Sarasota Art Museum — Free admission — Discover a vibrant juried art show featuring diverse original works from talented artists.
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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience the unique loop stylings of singer-songwriter Scott Curts with his charming companion Apollo.
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Asian Food Festival
2-11 p.m. — JD Hamel Park — Free entry — Experience Florida's largest Asian food festival with 80+ vendors, live entertainment, and cultural showcases.
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A Day Out With Dad
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — The Mall at University Town Center — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled Father's Day event with activities for the whole family.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Sarasota
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